U.S. patent application number 12/215474 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-01 for boat motor, submarine, and other structures mailbox design.
Invention is credited to Thomas E. Wagner.
Application Number | 20090001151 12/215474 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40159169 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090001151 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wagner; Thomas E. |
January 1, 2009 |
Boat motor, submarine, and other structures mailbox design
Abstract
A boat motor mailbox, or one that may be structured as a
submarine, airplane, locomotive engine, steamboat, or one in which
its address illuminated, incorporating a upper container, an
integral shaft or other supporting housing, to provide for
operativness or illumination of the numbers upon the formed
mailbox. In the instance of a boat motor, it may include a motor
operative propeller, which may also provide for similar operation
to a submarine, steamboat, an airplane, or other configured shapes
that are embodied into the structure of the mailbox design. The
operating mechanism may receive its electrical energy from solar
power, a battery pack, or even hardwired, and which sustains, in
the case of the battery, recharging through the use of the solar
collecting panel. In the case of the boat motor, it may have an
attached spike, at its bottom, that allows for the mail box to be
attached into the ground, whether the spike be impaled within the
mud, or be cemented by concrete into the ground, for more permanent
usage.
Inventors: |
Wagner; Thomas E.; (Fenton,
MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Paul M. Denk
Ste. 170, 763 S. New Ballas Rade
St. Louis
MO
63141
US
|
Family ID: |
40159169 |
Appl. No.: |
12/215474 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60937717 |
Jun 29, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
232/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 29/1216 20130101;
A47G 29/1209 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
232/17 |
International
Class: |
A47G 29/12 20060101
A47G029/12 |
Claims
1. A boat motor mailbox design including a housing simulating an
outboard motor, having a container provided at its upper end,
having an attached door, which when opened, allows for the
insertion of delivered mail therein, an integral shaft housing
extending downwardly therefrom, incorporating a battery pack,
charged from a solar panel operatively associated with the
container, a motor, energized from the battery pack, which when
initiated, allows for the spinning of a propeller simulating the
operations of an outboard motor during usage.
2. A structured mailbox design, that may be structured into the
shape and configuration of a boat motor, an airplane, a submarine,
a steam boat, or a locomotive, or into other shapes, including a
housing simulating one of these structures, having a container
provided at its approximate upper end, having an attached door at
its frontal portion, which when open, allows for the insertion and
delivery of mail therein, integral shaft housing extending
downwardly therefrom, and which is provided for mounting or
impalement into the ground, one of the integral shaft or the shaped
structural container, incorporating a battery pack, charged from a
solar panel operatively associated therewith, and further including
a motor, energized from either the battery pack or the solar panel,
which when energized, allows for the spinning of a propeller,
paddle wheel, or other movable means, simulating the operations of
the shaped structural design during usage.
3. A mailbox design including a housing at its upper end, a
structured support extending downwardly therefrom, said structural
support capable of being impaled or embedded within the ground to
support the mailbox in its erected configuration, either said
container or the structural support incorporating electrical means,
for illumination of the mailbox lighting system that displays the
address of the residence, to provide for illumination of the lights
to display the address during usage.
4. The mailbox design of claim 3 wherein either said container or
structural support incorporates a battery, for illumination of the
residential address numerals.
5. The mailbox design of claim 4 and including a solar panel,
provided upwardly upon the container of the mailbox design, said
solar panel provided for either energization of the illuminable
address numerals, or for recharging the battery pack provided
therein, during usage.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This non provisional patent application claims priority to
the provisional patent application having Ser. No. 60/937717,
having filing date Jun. 29, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a unique, novel, and ornamentally
appearing but operative mailbox, submarine, airplane, and other
structures, including a solar powered lighted mailbox through usage
of the concept of this invention.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Generally, with the advent of bigger homes on larger plots
of ground, it has been a requirement that the mailboxes be placed
out at the margin of the street, so that the postal service can
simply drive up to it, make its deposit, and go on to the next,
normally without even having to leave the postal vehicle. No longer
does the postal authority, or the postman, walk up to the door, to
make a mail deposit, as was done many, many years ago.
[0004] A variety of designs for mailboxes have been fabricated. For
example, the standard box is a simply arched container, on a pole
or post, embedded in the ground, with a mailbox being located four
feet above, for convenient deposit. A front door normally opens,
into the ample interior, to allow the bulk mail to be supplied
therein.
[0005] In some instances, these mailboxes have been shaped like a
fish, beer keg, even an automobile, and have undertaken a variety
of designs.
[0006] It is the concept of the current invention to provide a
further enhancement in a mailbox design and operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] This invention contemplates the formation of a mailbox, in
the shape of a boat motor, and more specifically an outboard motor,
which may be solar powered, to provide for charging of a battery
pack, which in turn furnishes rotation to the motor's propeller, to
give the appearance of an operating motor, yet functioning as a
mailbox, at the front of one's residence. It is a unique design,
but nevertheless, is operative, at least to give the facade and
appearance of a mailbox that operates like an outboard motor,
either when the door of the mailbox is opened, or continuously,
since the operating motor is solar powered.
[0008] The design of this invention may be four to five feet high,
have a ground spike provided at its lower end, to allow for its
impalement, or cementing, into the ground, to keep it erect, during
usage. It includes a solar panel upon its upper surface, that is
designed to allow for the collection of sunlight, its conversion
into a charge, that allows for the continuous charging of a battery
pack, when the sunshine reflects upon the solar collecting panel,
during the daylight hours.
[0009] The invention further contemplates the addition of a 12 volt
motor, that is operated from the battery pack, and which can turn,
to some degree of rotation, a spinning propeller, at the back of
the motor design, to give the appearance of an operating boat
motor, during its usage and application. Furthermore, there may be
a speaker provided within the mailbox, and one which has been
preprogrammed to speak some phrasing, whether it be something
related to fishing, or the sound of a boat motor in operation, or
simply to provide some comment when the postage doors open, such as
providing a thank you to the postman, or to anyone that opens the
mailbox, during authorized usage.
[0010] It is just as likely that the concept of this invention, and
its integrated electronics, could also be used for fabricating a
mailbox in the configuration and shape of a submarine, an airplane,
and many other structures, or could include a mail box that is
solar powered, for energization of the various props that are
operatively associated with the outboard motor, submarine, and the
like, and/or to illuminate the numerals upon the mailbox, providing
the address of the residential owner.
[0011] It is, therefore, the principal object of this invention to
provide a mailbox, in the shape of a boat motor, and which can be
emplaced at the front of a residence or other building, to add a
unique design to the mailbox during its installation and usage.
[0012] It is yet another object of this invention to provide a
postal mailbox that is of a very unique appearance, being that of
an outboard motor, and which may provide enthusiasm to the owner,
particularly if he is a boating or fishing enthusiast.
[0013] Still another object of this invention is to provide an
operative mailbox, shaped like an outboard motor, and which will
even contain a spinning propeller, simulating that of a standard
boat motor.
[0014] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a boat
motor simulated mailbox which may include a speaker, to express
comment, as for example, when the mailbox door is opened.
[0015] Still another object of this invention is to provide an
operating mailbox, simulating a boat motor, and which contains
solar collecting panel for recharging of its contained battery
pack, that induces continuous or intermittent rotation of its
spinning propeller.
[0016] Still another object of this invention is to provide a
mailbox, with an attaching spike, that can provide for its
impalement in the ground, or embedment within a cement, to assure
the permanent retention of the motor simulating mailbox in place,
once installed.
[0017] Still another object of this invention is to provide a
mailbox that is such an ornamental design that it will sustain the
attention of anyone viewing the same.
[0018] These and other objects may become more apparent to those
skilled in the art upon review of the summary of the invention as
provided herein, and upon undertaking a study of the description of
its preferred embodiment, in view of the drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0019] In referring to the drawings,
[0020] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the Boat Motor Mailbox Design
of this invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a submarine, with operative
propeller, fabricated into a mailbox, for installation at the front
of a residence, or other building; and
[0022] FIG. 3 shows another structured mailbox, an isometric view,
including a solar panel that illuminates the lighting system,
within the structure of the shown box.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] In referring to the drawing, and in particular FIG. 1, the
Boat Motor Mailbox Design 1 of this invention is readily disclosed.
The design includes an upper compartment, simulating the size and
dimensions of a standard boat motor, and an enclosed mail
compartment 2 which is integrally attached to its shaft portion 3,
which extends downwardly therefrom, formed having the stabilizer or
cavitation plate 4, and the spinning propeller 5 normally having
the appearance of a standard outboard motor. The lower part of the
motor, as its lower blade or skeg portion 6, extends sufficiently
downwardly, and can have an opening therethrough, or have attached
thereto, the upper end of a spike, as at 7, and which can either be
impaled in the ground, or be cemented in concrete, during its
installation. The upper end of the spike will be located either
within, or withon the surface or front part of the shaft housing 3,
and will have an attaching bolt 8 cooperating with a locking nut 9
for use for securement of these components together, before the
design is mounted upon the ground.
[0024] The containment portion 2 of the mailbox will have a frontal
door 10 normally in position where a mailbox door normally locates,
and which includes the usual latch 11 for securement of the door
enclosure, as when not in usage, or after mail has been deposited
therein. This provides for shelter from inclement weather, and
keeps the mail from being soiled, while stored, temporarily, within
the mail container 2. As can also be seen, various holders or slots
for identification purposes may be provided, such as a street
number 12, which may be illuminated at night by means of the
enclosed battery pack 15, and even arranged therewith can be a
nameplate, or the like. Below the street number slot is a further
location for application of a product name, such as a trademark for
one of the outboard motor companies, such as Mercury Marine, as can
be seen at 13. This can either be taped in place, or located by
means of a nameplate into a slot, or fastened to the Boat Motor
Mailbox Design 1, as can be understood. And, the mailbox may be
painted to the standard color that is normally employed by one of
the boat motor companies, such as, for example, Evinrude Motors are
usually white in appearance, the Honda outboard motor is normally
silver, while Mercury is noted for its black appearance. These can
be coordinated depending upon which brand name is applied.
[0025] Furthermore, as can be seen upon the top of the Design 1,
there is a solar collecting panel 14 of the usual sunlight
receptive wafers, and which normally receive sunlight, and convert
it into energy, which will be interconnected with the battery pack
15 to keep it charged, particularly when exposed to sunlight. The
battery, then, once fully charged, can be electrically connected to
a motor 16, normally of a low voltage type, such as a 12 volt
motor, and the motor shaft 17 will interconnect forwardly of the
motor with a propeller or prop 5 to keep it turning constantly, or
perhaps the same can be interconnected with the door 10, so that
when the door is opened, the propeller turns, giving the simulated
appearance of an operating outboard motor.
[0026] In addition, the mail container 2 may have an electronic
package, generally provided within a compartment (not shown) that
may be located at the bottom of the container, and be
interconnected with a speaker, as at 18, to provide sound, whether
it be sound simulating the operating of a outboard motor, or
perhaps the sound of splashing fish, or even furnish some
phraseology that may have been manufactured into a chip, to furnish
words of gratitude, or thanks, as to a mailman, when he opens the
door, deposits the mail, and then reclose the same, during
delivery. Obviously, other words can be employed, for other
purposes, depending upon the desires and whim of the residence
owner.
[0027] In any event, the concept of this invention to provide a
novelty type 25 design, simulating a boat motor, particularly of
the outboard motor type, and which will be attractive,
eye-catching, and contain many operative features that greatly lead
to the enthusiasm of anyone in proximity therewith, that may
encounter the mailbox, either during usage, or when observing the
same.
[0028] As can be seen in FIG. 2, a further structure mailbox, in
this particular instance, having the shape of a submarine 20, is
disclosed. The frontal end of the mailbox has a volumetric
capacity, as at 21, for holding a quantity of delivered mail, and
it includes a frontal closure, as at 22, for closing off the box,
and which is held by one of the standard clips, as noted at 23. The
entire submarine designed mailbox may be mounted upon a post, as at
24, and which may be embedded in the ground.
[0029] The back end of the shaped submarine contains electronic
means, or wiring, that can either be solar operated, as by the
solar panels 25 or can be even battery operated, to energizing a
small motor (not shown) that rotates the disclosed propeller 26,
provided at the back end of the shown structure. This is an example
how other structured may be embodied within the concept of this
invention, to function as a mailbox.
[0030] For example, it is just as likely that the mail box may be
shaped as an airplane, with a propeller, and have an opening at its
side for deposite of the delivered mail. For example, other
structures may be incorporated into this development, such as a
locomotive, of the steam type, where its wheels and the power
levers or radius arms can be rotated, in the same manner as
previously described herein, to furnish rotation of the wheels,
during installation and usage of the device. Or, it is likely that
the invention can be configured as a steamboat, with its paddle
wheel, at the rear thereof, being turnable, preferable by solar
power or battery charge. These are examples as to how the invention
may be configured to different designed shapes, have some operative
components, in order to enhance the aesthetics and the attention
getting of the development, during installation and usage.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows another variation upon the invention, but
utilizing the same instrumentation as reviewed in the previous
developments. For example, it shows a brick or simulated block type
of mailbox, as shown at 30, having a front gate as at 31, operated
and pivotal as standard design, and having its fastener closure 32
provided thereon. In addition, the top of the box may include one
or more solar panels, as at 33, which convert sunlight into
electrical energy, and through its processing with in a circuit
box, as at 34, provide for illumination of the residential
numerals, as can be seen at 35. The control box 34 may also include
a battery, as either a direct means for provision of electrical
energy, or as a backup power, for operation and illumination of the
numerals, during usage of this device. This is just an example as
to how the invention can be varied, and embodied in various
structures, but yet provide the basic principal and concept of this
invention is to provide for energization, either by solar power, or
battery operated, or even hard wired if available, for either
operating some mechanical device, such as a propeller, or
illuminating lighting, for showing the address of the residence or
other establishment.
[0032] Variations or modifications to the subject matter of this
invention may occur to those skilled in the art upon review of the
invention as provided herein. Such variations, if within the spirit
of this development, are intended to be encompassed within the
scope of the invention as defined. The description of the
particular invention, and its depiction in the drawing, are
primarily set forth for illustrative purposes only.
* * * * *